Category: Misinformation 101

Follow these tips to help stop the spread of misinformation!

1. Scroll on past that rage-inducing post! When we are angry we’re worse at spotting misinformation. Plus, posts that trigger big negative emotions are more likely to go viral. Take a deep breath and let it gooooo!! ☃️❄️
2. Stop! Before you share a post to stories, ask yourself, “is this true?” This tiny adjustment can have a big impact on the amount of misinformation that you spread.
3. Read past headlines. Before you share, make sure you are getting the full scoop.

Share this post in your stories as a friendly PSA to your friends and family.

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Saw a tweet that really grinds your gears?

Scroll on! When we're angry we’re less likely to spot misinfo. Plus, posts that trigger big negative emotions are more likely to go viral. Deep breath, and let it go.#ScienceUpFirsthttps://t.co/qDYwpN2iybhttps://t.co/SqMbyPke1g pic.twitter.com/CRGaHFnoGW

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) March 10, 2022

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Worried a friend is caught in a web of conspiracy theories?

First up, that’s really tough and we are sorry

The good news is, people change their minds everyday. We break down the appeal of conspiracy theories and how to offer the people you care about a way out.

 

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People don’t just wake up one morning convinced “globalists run the Internet.” ️

To get to that point, they need to travel down the rabbit hole. ️

So what drives people towards conspiracy theories and extremism?#ScienceUpFirst

[1/12] pic.twitter.com/Pu4eUGld2S

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) March 7, 2022

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Have you ever found yourself yelling at the screen, ready to unleash a flurry of facts and logic on a troll?

Getting into a heated exchange online might feel good in the moment, but it can also amplify negative messages in the algorithm. Instead, spend time interacting with posts you really like. A like, comment, share or save can give good content a real boost! Saw something online that you think is misinformation? Instead of sharing the link, take a screenshot and share that with a link to the correct information/ fact check. Put these tips into action and like, save, share, and send this post so we can fight misinformation, together.

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Your time online is valuable. ⌛

Getting into a twitter beef with a misinformer might feel good in the moment, but it might also amplify their bad take. Block and scroll on!#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/9DPEOc0W3M

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 24, 2022

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Misinformers will often present only two choices. This or that. Black or white.

This is the logical fallacy of false dichotomies. The truth is there are usually several options and a lot of nuance that gets left out.

 

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Misinformers often present only 2 choices. This or that.

But two seemingly opposite ideas can be true!

Come with us on a journey across the pandemic’s most popular false dichotomies. ️ And learn how the world is more nuanced than this vs that.#ScienceUpFirst

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— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced’Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 17, 2022

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Don’t fall into the fake news trap!

Last month we put out a series of Misinformer Tactics

Here is a recap of common Misinformer Tactics so you can be on the lookout!

1. Astroturfing. This practice gives the *appearance* of grassroots, authentic support but is really operated by just a few individuals.
2. False Dichotomies. Misinformers will often present options as black or white. But in reality there are many different shades of grey.
3. Red Herring. This tactic distracts from the point at hand to redirect the conversation. Feeling misdirected? Ask whether the information provided is relevant.
4. Appeal to Nature. We have a bias towards things that appear to be “natural”. But natural isn’t always better and this bias can lead us down some dangerous roads.
5. Causal Fallacy. When we see: A followed by B; our brains want to jump to: A caused B. But that is not always the case. Correlation does not equal causation!

Look through to see the amazing illustrations created by Jordan Collver (@JordanCollver on Twitter)

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Beware of the fake news trap!

Last month we put out a series of Misinformer Tactics in collaboration with the amazing illustrator Jordan Collver (@JordanCollver).

Here is a recap of what to look out for

[1/7]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/9SBTlegooO

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) February 15, 2022

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Has a graph ever made you scratch your head?

Data can help us make smarter decisions, but raw numbers without context can lead us astray. Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.

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Saw some head-scratching data?

Understanding the Base Rate Fallacy can help you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusions.

[1/6]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/GgSloPpXrn

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) January 31, 2022

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Is “natural” always better?

A lot of us have a bias towards things that appear “natural”, “organic”, or “pure”. Many are willing to pay more money on foods and medicine referred to as natural. Some believe cigarettes labeled natural are less harmful – although this is not true.

This is the cognitive bias known as Appeal to Nature.

But natural does not always mean better or safer. As the illustration suggests, harmful substances like cyanide can come from nature. Apple seeds contain a substance that releases cyanide into the blood stream. Note: don’t stress, apple seeds in small amounts do not contain enough cyanide to cause harm.

This bias can lead to some dangerous decisions in the context of COVID-19. For some this might include a preference for “natural immunity” over vaccines. It is true that both can produce a strong antibody response. But natural immunity means exposing yourself and those around you to an unpredictable virus. A virus that can cause severe illness, lifelong health repercussions, or death. Vaccines offer safe, predictable, and effective protection from COVID-19. Natural immunity does not. 

Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.

We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.

Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.

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Is "natural" always better?

Many of us have a fondness for things that seem "natural". However, that does not necessarily mean that it is not dangerous!

This is the cognitive bias known as a call to nature.

[1/4]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/M5p0tqj4uR

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) January 4, 2022

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LOOK OVER THERE

A red herring is a misdirection used by mystery writers and misinformers alike. This logical fallacy uses parallel arguments that sound relevant, but are meant to lead you off the trail.

Here is an example of a conversation that includes a red herring argument:

Science Up First: “the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective,”

Misinformer: “If you cared about safety you would recommend ivermectin”

Red herrings can distract from the point at hand (vaccine safety) to redirect the conversation (ivermectin).

Think you’re being misdirected? Ask yourself if the information provided is relevant.

 

Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.

We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.

Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.

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LOOK OVER THERE

Red herrings distract from the point at hand to redirect the conversation. Feeling misdirected? Ask whether the information provided is relevant.

Thanks to @JordanCollver for collaborating with us on this! Check out our IG for more info.#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/dlvbh5KNlw

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) December 28, 2021

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“You’re either with us, or you’re against us.”
“You either love freedom or you wear a mask.”

People who spread misinformation will often present only two choices. In reality, there are many shades of grey. Forcing people to pick from only two when there are many alternatives is the logical fallacy of false dichotomies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been filled with false dichotomies. Take the health vs. economy debate. Misinformers present these as two opposing stances, but this is not true. Economic experts and public health officials agree that strategies that reduce the spread of the virus improve the health of people and the health of the economy.

False dichotomies are often used to shut down, polarize and oversimplify debates. The next time you are presented with only two choices, ask yourself if you are getting the full picture.

Thanks to Jordan Collver for collaborating with us on this post. Jordan is an illustrator and science communicator specializing in using the visual and narrative power of comics to explore themes of science, nature, and belief.

We’re working on a series of misinformer tactics with Jordan so stay tuned for more.

Check out his work on his website and on Twitter.

Share our original Tweet!

You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes…

But are those really the only choices, Morpheus?

[1/4]#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/VnuSaInUKR

— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) December 21, 2021

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We STAN science icon Galileo Galilei!

But just because you have a different opinion than everyone else, doesn’t make you right.

We present the Galileo Gambit. Misinformers love to compare themselves to Galileo, who was famously persecuted because he said the earth orbits around the sun and not the other way around.

They would have you believe that, because their ideas go against the establishment, or risk their job, their credibility, or their safety, then they must be right.

The logic goes like this:

• Galileo was persecuted and was correct.
• I feel persecuted.
• Conclusion: I am correct.

Let’s use the same logic on something else to help spot the flaw.

• Steve is tall and wears blue socks.
• I am tall.
• Conclusion: I wear blue socks??

Clearly that’s not good reasoning. Tall people wear all sorts of different socks!

For every Galileo (who, by the way, had rigorous scientific EVIDENCE for his claims) there are a thousands of Steves* who got it wrong.

Remember this next time a supposed expert makes claims that go against the grain. Before you share, stop and think, “Is this accurate?”

*no disrespect to any Steves out there!

 

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We STAN science icon Galileo Galilei!
But just because you have a different opinion than everyone else, doesn’t make you right.

Presenting: The Galileo Gambit. This tactic assumes that something is correct BECAUSE everyone says it’s wrong.

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— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienceD’abord (@ScienceUpFirst) October 21, 2021

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